A Reader Asks:

I would like to schedule MediaFire backups on Windows 8.1 Pro, 64-bit. My version of MediaFire is the latest build (1.4.29.10845).

I contacted MediaFire regarding this issue, but unfortunately they said they had no official way to schedule a backup or a sync.

To clarify, I want to be able to schedule a backup/sync to start at a certain time at night, then pause in the morning. I have ~150 to 200 gigabytes of data to upload and I’d rather schedule it than let it continuously run.

Kannon’s Reply:

It’s possible! And it won’t even require that you install any software other than the cloud storage client. The method outlined here works for all cloud storage applications, although it requires slight adaptation in order to work with other cloud storage services. It just takes a little bit of thought. But anyway, because you asked about MediaFire, the steps outlined in this guide will focus exclusively on their cloud client. For those curious, MediaFire offers around 1 terabyte of cloud storage capacity for $2.50 a month. It also offers 50GB storage on Android for free.

Like most cloud storage solutions, the desktop client for MediaFire automatically begins backing up your data right after the program launches, while the client runs in the background. Like most cloud backup applications, you can manually configure the software to run at certain times of day, rather than all day. To do this, you will need two software components: The MediaFire desktop client and the Windows Tasks Scheduler, which comes preinstalled.

This method works for almost all cloud clients out there, like Dropbox (our guide to DropboxThe Unofficial Guide To DropboxThe Unofficial Guide To DropboxThere's more to Dropbox than you might think: you can use it for file sharing, backing up your data, syncing files between computers and even remotely control your computer.Read More) or Sugarsync. However, Windows Task Scheduler will not kill tasks. It’s best used for running what’s called batch files, which can kill tasks. Lets go ahead and get started with creating a kill script.

I normally place items like this on my desktop, for ease of access, but you can just as easily place these items into your documents folder. I do not suggest placing the file in your Programs folder, as this may result in unintended consequences. Name it something interesting (like kill switch.bat), then place it in a memorable, accessible location. If you ever move or delete this file, you will lose the ability to schedule uploads.

When you’ve placed it in a safe, and memorable, location, make sure to right-click on the file, go to Properties, and then select the Details tab. Then make note of the folder path, along with the file name.

Step Two: Setting Up Windows Task Scheduler

Windows Task Scheduler can initiate certain tasks at specific times of day or night. In this step, you will schedule two separate tasks: The first task will flip MediaFire’s cloud client on. The second task will kill the service.

Schedule MediaFire to Run

First, go to the Windows Search bar and type in Schedule Tasks. Then select Schedule tasks. This opens the Task Scheduler).

Once the Task Scheduler opens, select Create a Basic Task from the Action tab. Simply provide a name and description (it doesn’t matter what you name it or how it’s described). Then click on Next > at the bottom of the screen.

Second, choose a time that you’d like to start the MediaFire client as the Trigger. Once launched, the program will start backing up your files. Then choose Next >.

You will then need to input what the task will do after triggering. In this case, it will run the MediaFire desktop client’s executable file (mf_watch.exe). To save you some time, it’s called mf_watch.exe, which is located in your User directory, in the location listed in the screenshot below. To input the mf_watch.exe file, select Browse and then navigate to the executable for the cloud client. Finally, choose Next >.

Then click through the final menu (and then click on Finish) and you’re finished with this step.

Kill the MediaFire Service

Repeat the steps used in creating a scheduled backup. First, execute the Task Scheduler and create a Basic Task. The difference is that when you select a time (under Trigger), choose when you’d like MediaFire to stop backing up your data.

Also, you will choose the location of where you stored the batch file, instead of locating the MediaFire application as you did in the previous step.

You will want to check the box for Open the properties dialog for this task when I click Finish, which allows you to run the script with administrator permissions. Without this step, chances are the MediaFire program will continue to run in the background.

The Properties dialog will pop up after you click on Finish. Make sure that you select Run whether user is logged in or not and check the box for Run with highest privileges.

Also, you should configure Mediafire so that it does not start on boot. First open up the MediaFire application. Then go to the Settings menu (which is located in the upper-right side of the MediaFire client). Select Preferences…

Kannon is a Tech Journalist (BA) with a background in international affairs (MA) with an emphasis on economic development and international trade. His passions are in China-sourced gadgets, information technologies (like RSS), and productivity tips and tricks.